GM Ignition Switch Wrongful Death and Personal Injury Fund Raises Death Toll to 49

Due to the high volume of personal injury and wrongful death claims against General Motors in 2014, related to a sudden, large vehicle recall for older model vehicles that had defective ignition switches, the automotive manufacturer decided to extend applications for the compensation fund, which was created to help victims of car accidents caused by the ignition switch problem.

Through Friday, January 16th, the GM compensation fund received 311 wrongful death claims, 207 claims for catastrophic personal injury, and 2,300 personal injury claims for less serious injuries. The number of personal injury claims found eligible for compensation rose to 121, and the number of wrongful deaths found to be caused by the faulty ignition switches rose to 49.

Last February, the automobile manufacturer quietly issued a vehicle recall for around 250,000 cars, trucks, and SUVs, some of which dated back as far as the 2004-2005 model years. The problem, according to GM, was faulty ignition switches. The company also quietly acknowledged that it knew about at least 13 deaths and several serious personal injuries due to crashes caused by the faulty ignition switches.

Consumers and regulators noticed, however, and began to investigate the delayed vehicle recall. By the end of 2014, the company had issued dozens of vehicle recalls covering close to 8 million cars, trucks, and SUVs, at least 2.6 million of which had the faulty ignition switch problem. GM CEO Mary Barra testified before Congress regarding the delayed vehicle recall, and the company set up a compensation fund for victims of ignition switch crashes. GM has so far acknowledged that 42 people were wrongfully killed in crashes caused by the defective ignition switches.

“NHTSA urges owners of unrepaired GM vehicles to immediately contact their local dealer to arrange a service appointment. GM reports that many dealers will help owners get their vehicles remedied after work and on the weekends,” the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has stated.

However, General Motors has acknowledged that there may not be enough replacement ignition switches to go around, and some GM customers may have to wait, despite the potential danger of driving their vehicle.

The deadline for victims of the faulty ignition switches to file for personal injury or wrongful death compensation is January 31^st.

The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Defective Products and Vehicle Recall Cases

Every year, thousands of consumers sustain serious injuries from defective products. A defective product lawyer can help you with an injury you may receive. Many of these injuries could be avoided if the manufacturers or distributors of these products took additional steps to ensure consumer safety. Defective products that commonly cause injuries include medical devices, pharmaceutical products, and other defective products such as toys, cars and automotive parts.

If you have experienced a problem with a defective product in your automobile, especially if a defective part has led to an auto accident or personal injury, and a proper vehicle recall notice has not been issued, you may be entitled to compensation. The attorneys at the Strom Law Firm can help. We can help you with complicated auto insurance claims, and make sure you receive the compensation you deserve to help you with lost income and medical bills. Our attorneys are licensed to practice in South Carolina, Georgia, and New York. We offer free, confidential consultations to discuss the facts of your case. Contact us today at (803) 252-4800.